Drum clip housing &amp; dispenser

ABSTRACT

A drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms incorporates a housing and a dispensing apparatus. The housing comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The biasing apparatus is disposed at the rear wall of the housing. The biasing apparatus is comprised of a biasing member and a biasing element. The biasing member is affixed with the biasing element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates with firearms and more specifically relates with an apparatus and system for housing and dispensing drum clips for firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today's trained soldiers are encumbered with many different objects, weapons and other gear which they must carry around when they must deploy to various places. These soldiers may carry over 50 pounds of equipment on their bodies or other bags. Such items may include a rifle, machine gun, water, food, ammunition, personal effects, computer equipment, telecommunications devices, etc.

Naturally, carrying around all of these items is very tiresome and difficult for them due to their weight, but also due to their ungainliness in organization. For instance, many of their items are not packaged and bundled into nice, neat, and comfortable packages. Instead, they are packaged in ways which make them difficult to access.

One example of this ungainliness are the drum clips of ammunition used with many automatic weapons. These drum clips are oddly-shaped into two round cylinders sandwiching a dispensing port where the bullet exits the drum clip and into the firearm. The unique shape of the drum clips allow a soldier to carry the maximum amount of ammunition in a given amount of volume. It's unique shape also allows for more convenient use and handling of the ammunition as well.

One of the problems which is encountered with the use of drum clips is that they are typically carried in pouches worn on a vest. These pouches have a cover flap with a clumsy locking mechanism. This clumsy locking mechanism makes it difficult to remove the Drum Clip because the locking mechanism must be disengaged and the cover flap has to be opened before the Drum Clip can be removed. Furthermore, the pouches tend to crumble up when they are empty which makes it difficult to place the drum clips inside the pouch.

Aside from its use in military applications law enforcement and counter-terrorism forces face similar difficulties. This is especially true when automatic firearms are needed in various situations.

Therefore, what is clearly needed in the marketplace is a system and apparatus that enables a soldier to carry drum clips in a space-efficient way that also enables for quick and easy placement and removal of Drum Clips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and apparatus enable a soldier to carry around many drum clips of ammunition on his person at all times. The present invention is unique inasmuch as it allows soldiers quick and easy access to ammunition quicker and faster than traditional methods. The present invention may also be equally expedient with law enforcement or counter-terrorism forces.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ammunition housing device capable of being used with standard military flak jackets with loops of fabric, buckles and straps. Also it is an object of the present invention to provide an ammunition housing device which is adaptable for use with tactical ballistic and non-ballistic vests, as well as M.O.L.L.E (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) vests. This device should have its own straps for use in affixing the housing with the vest of a military jacket.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an housing which is designed and configured in such a way to enable a soldier to quickly re-load the drum clips into his firearm without excessive movements and without looking at his magazines and firearms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 a is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12. is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13. is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14. is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a unique system, and apparatus is used to safely and comfortably carry ammunition-dispensers in a dispenser and housing system. More specifically, the present invention is specifically adapted for housing and dispensing drum clips. The present invention is described in enabling detail below.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “magazine” shall hereafter refer and describe those housing units typically associated with automatic weapons such as M-16's or other firearms which house ammunition such as bullets.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “bias” shall hereafter refer to the mechanical force used to consistently supply force for purposes such as retaining or extruding various articles.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “coil” shall hereafter refer to an elongate metallic member shaped into a coiled configuration.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “firearm” shall hereafter refer any instrument used to fire projectiles. With respect to the present invention, the primary firearms intended to be used are automatic weapons. However, the present invention should not be limited in scope to only standard firearms. It may be practical and possible to implement the present invention with other firearms including shotguns, rifles, and toy rifles (such as compressed air paint ball type firearms”). Therefore, the present invention should not be limited in scope to only standard firearms.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term detent refers to a biased member resiliently-engaged for the purpose of mating with an orifice of another apparatus or article.

It should be noted here that in the enclosed illustrations a Beta C magazine design is used, although other related and similar devices may be used with the present invention as well. For instance, the illustrations show a magazine design with two housing cylinders. It should be understood by the skilled artisan that other magazine designs with only one housing cylinder may be used in some preferred embodiments. For this reason, the scope of the present invention is not limited to any specific type of magazine dispensing apparatus.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms 100 (hereafter drum housing 100). This housing is adapted for use with a standard artillery vest 120 commonly worn by infantry. Typically, these vest 120 incorporate several strips 125 of fabric for use in carrying various objects. The drum housing 100 incorporates a plurality of straps 101 which are used to affix the drum housing 100 with the vest 120.

The drum housing 100 includes a plurality of straps 101, an anterior end 102, a posterior end 103, a front side 106, a back side 107, a receiving port 108, a top side 104, a bottom side 105, and at least one detent 110, 111.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrates that the straps 101 are used to affix the drum housing 100 to the vest 120 by interlacing the straps through the strips of fabric on the vest 120. By unbuttoning the strap, the strap can be tied into the vest 120 securely.

The receiving port 108 is sized to accept a drum clip 121. The receiving port 108 is disposed on the posterior end 103 of the drum housing 100. Detents 110, 111 are disposed in the receiving port 108. Detents 110, 111 are spring biased in some preferred embodiments. Detents 110, 111 are incorporated to retain the drum clip 121 within the receiving port 108 of the drum housing 100. In other preferred embodiments the Detents 110, 111 may be replaced with a simple button-orifice mechanism to retain the drum clip 121 within the receiving port 108 of the drum housing 100.

FIGS. 13-18 illustrate that in some preferred embodiments the drum housing 100 may further incorporate a pair of biased retaining members 375, 376. The biased retaining members 375, 376 are affixed at the bottom side 105 of the drum housing 100. The biased retaining members 375, 376 are biased inwards in a closed position. As a drum clip 121 is forced into the drum housing 100, the biased retaining members 375, 376 are moved outwards in order to accept the drum clip 121. After the drum clip 121 is completely disposed within the drum housing 100, the biased retaining members 375, 376 move inwards thereby securing the drum clip 121 within the drum housing 100. In some preferred embodiments the biased retaining members 375, 376 are spring loaded. In some preferred embodiments the biased retaining members 375, 376 are pivotally affixed with the drum housing 100 through a joint 377. And in others, the biased retaining members 375, 376 are simply flexible enough to operate without a joint 377, which affixes the biased retaining members 375, 376 to the drum housing 100. One skilled in the art will appreciate other methods or means in which to incorporate the biased retaining members 375, 376 into the drum housing 100.

FIGS. 19-38 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the drum clip 221 is retained vertically with respect to the retainer. The Vertical Drum Housing 200 is comprised of an upper side 202, a lower receiving port 203, a vest side 207, and an open side 208, a first side 204, and a second side 205. A Strap Assembly 201 for use with affixing the Vertical Drum Housing 221 with the vest is also provided which is disposed on the vest side 207 of the Vertical Drum Housing 200. In some preferred embodiments the Vertical Drum Housing 200 may further comprise a triangular detent 256 for the purpose of retaining the drum clip 221 within the Vertical Drum Housing 200.

FIGS. 26-34 illustrate the positioning of the Vertical Drum Housing 200. On the vest 120, the open side 208 is facing away from the vest 120 whereas the vest side 207 is in contact with the vest 120. FIGS. 26-34 illustrate that this positioning of the drum clip 221 allows for quick and easy insertion of the drum clip 26-34 into the firearm 500. As the drum clip 26-34 is detached from the Vertical Drum Housing 200 straight out from the user, it is simply rotated 90 degrees so that the bullets of the drum clip 221 are facing upwards for insertion into the firearm 500. This unique positioning enables for quick access to ammunition from the vest 120 of a user.

FIGS. 39-51 illustrate Spring-Loaded Retaining Drum Clip Retainer 300. The Spring-Loaded Retaining Drum Clip Retainer 300 is comprised of a housing and a spring loaded assembly 301. The spring loaded assembly 301 is made to mate with a typical groove 301 found on many drum clips 121. The spring loaded assembly 301 comprises a flange 312 sized to mate with the groove 301. The flange 312 is in communication with a first member 313. The first member 313 is in communication with a second member 311. And the second member 311 is in communication with the button 310. In some preferred embodiments the button 310 is disposed within a window 315. As the button 310 is translated towards a distal end of the drum housing 100, the flange 312 is thereby translated such that the drum clip 121 is enabled to be placed within the drum housing 100.

FIGS. 34-35 illustrate that in some preferred embodiments the Spring-Loaded Retaining Drum Clip Retainer 300 may further incorporate internal frame 350 which substantially conforms to the outline of a drum clip 121. FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-section view of the internal structure of a drum housing 100 in some preferred embodiments.

This internal frame 350 may be comprised of foam or other resilient materials in some preferred embodiments. In other preferred embodiments, the internal frame 350 may be comprised of an internal metal, or other hard structure. This internal frame is used to prevent the drum clip 121 from jostling about in the drum housing 100. This internal frame 350 may be affixed within the drum housing 100 either through various adhesive means, fasteners or other means well known to one skilled in the art.

FIGS. 51-56 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the present invention. A Slip Through Drum Clip Retainer 500 is comprised of a retainer assembly 501, a frame 502, and an elastic member 503. In some preferred embodiments, the Slip Through Drum Clip Retainer 500 may further incorporate a fabric cover 559 for the purpose of covering a portion of the drum clip 521. The Elastic Member 503 functions to retain the drum clip 521 within the frame 502 of the Slip Through Drum Clip Retainer 500.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous variations in the present system, configuration and operation that are within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate how the principles illustrated in these preferred embodiments can be used in other examples of the invention. A particular reference number in one figure refers to the same element in all of the other figures.

Moreover, It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are numerous changes that may be made in embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the invention taught herein by specific examples is limited only by the scope of the claims that follow. 

1. A drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms comprising: a housing, a an anterior end, a posterior end, a front side, a back side, a receiving port, a top side, and a bottom side; the receiving port is sized to accept a drum clip; the receiving port is disposed on the posterior end of the drum housing.
 2. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 1 further comprising a spring-loaded retaining assembly.
 3. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 1 further comprising a internal frame.
 4. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 1 further comprising a pair of biased retaining members.
 5. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 2 further comprising a flange, a first member, a second member, and a window.
 6. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 1 wherein the detents are spring biased.
 7. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 4 further comprising a pair of joints; the joints pivotally connect the biased retaining members to the drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus.
 8. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 1 further comprising straps.
 9. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 1 further comprising at least one detent.
 10. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 9 wherein the Detents are disposed in the receiving port.
 11. The drum clip housing and dispensing apparatus for firearms of claim 5 further comprising a window. 